lot.
DAMN. IT HAD to be the spitfire.
Luke had forgotten all about her when he’d returned to Crater Lake after Shane Draven had pulled through. For a while he’d thought of that trauma surgeon he’d butted heads with in Missoula, but as he’d dealt with the last messy stages of his divorce, he’d put her from his mind.
Dealing with his ex just reminded him of all the reasons why he didn’t trust women or romantic entanglements.
It hurt too much, but Christine wasn’t the only reason. Hurt went both ways. He liked his life too much and part of that was doing risky things to save lives up on the mountain.
He’d given up his life in the army for a woman he loved and look how that turned out.
To live the life he’d made for himself since leaving the army, he couldn’t have love. He wouldn’t give up his life for anyone.
He threw himself completely into his work and avoided hanging around the town of Crater Lake as much as possible. It was bad enough being divorced, but having your ex-wife and former best friend, who was now your ex’s husband, living and working in the town you grew up in was a little too much for him.
The problem was, his former best friend was the town sheriff. That was why they were staying in Crater Lake, but Luke wouldn’t be driven out of town.
He’d grown up here. He was going to stay here.
And an injury to his leg during an avalanche last winter prevented him from returning to active duty, even after giving up his commission.
Besides, he preferred being up on the mountain.
He liked being alone in his cabin. He liked the work; though he missed surgery and envied Carson just a bit for seeing patients every day, there was no way he could’ve chained himself to a desk, to an office or a hospital. He would suffocate, but he’d been willing to do it for Christine.
Maybe if you hadn’t joined the army Christine wouldn’t have left. Maybe you could’ve been happy.
Only his call of duty had been strong. He’d always wanted to serve and further his medical education in the army. And Christine had known that when they’d got together.
Luke cursed under his breath.
No, she would’ve left. Just as he hadn’t wanted to change the course of his career, Christine hadn’t wanted to be his wife. Of course now he wasn’t a soldier, but by the time his career in the army was over Christine was over him.
No, he wasn’t going to think about her. She’d broken his heart and he wouldn’t let her or anyone else make him feel that way again.
Why did it have to be her? Why did it have to be the spitfire?
Silas hadn’t told him the name of the physician who would be working at the resort. All he’d said was that she was from out east and had asked if Luke could train her on mountain survival and survival medicine.
She’s from money, Ralston. I’m sure she’s been on skis, but probably not in a way that would satisfy your sensibilities.
Which was why Luke was here. It was just fate was a bit sick and twisted by making that physician Dr. Ledet, the surgeon he’d butted heads with.
As if dealing with her in the summer wasn’t enough? Maybe it was karma? He’d teased Carson when Esme Petersen had come to town. Perhaps this was retribution?
The only difference was Carson had found love with Esme and Luke was not looking for that at all.
Carson hadn’t been looking, either.
“Is this okay?”
Luke shook that little voice from his head and glanced over at Sarah. She had a good parka on, waterproof mitts, a hat with ear flaps, boots, but nothing on her legs except black stretchy pants that fit her curves like a glove. His blood heated.
Think about something else.
“Where are your snow pants?” Luke asked, tearing his gaze away from her. He didn’t want to look at her at the moment. He had to regain control.
“Snow pants?”
“Don’t you ski?”
“I told you before, no. I’ve never skied.”
“Doesn’t every eastern WASP rich girl ski? Isn’t that what the Poconos are for?”
Her stare was icy cold and she put her hands on those curvy hips. Hips he’d thought about touching himself. “Excuse me?”
Luke groaned. He wasn’t going to get in an argument with her. “You need snow pants. If you fall out there and your pants get wet there’s no way we’re turning around so you can change. I’m here to teach you survival skills. If you were out there on your own, there would be no option to change. You’d freeze to death.”
Sarah still looked as if she were going to skewer him alive. “Fine. I’ll find some snow pants, but, really, stereotyping me, that was so not cool.”
“If the shoe fits.”
She cocked her eyebrows and smirked. “Oh, really? Didn’t we have this argument in the summer? I seem to recall bits and pieces of it …”
He groaned. “Fine. You’re right. I did accuse you of stereotyping me. I apologize, but, really, put on some snow pants before we lose the light.”
“Fine and, for your information, not all of us ‘rich girls’ ski. Some of us prefer yachts and sailing.” She winked and then disappeared into her office again.
Luke rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help but laugh to himself. He still admired her spunk.
When she came out of her office again, she was properly attired.
“Good, now let’s get down to the ski shack and get geared up. I’m going to take you up the first of the four main trails at this resort.”
Sarah fell into step behind him; the only sound was the swishing of the nylon fabric rubbing together as they walked down the hall and outside. Luke tried not to laugh, because just under that sound was some muttering. And maybe some bad words, but he couldn’t quite tell.
“I feel like a marshmallow,” she mumbled. “Do I look like one?”
“Yes. You do, but it will keep you warm.” He helped open the door to outside. “Ms. Marshmallow.”
With a huff Sarah pushed past him out into the snow. “You’re a bit of a jerk. Has anyone ever told you that?”
“Several people.”
There
